Guintoli still not ready to race

Pata Yamaha rider Sylvain Guintoli will not be in action as this weekend's FIM Superbike World Championship at Laguna Seca and will be replaced by Italian rider Niccolo Canepa until he recovers from injury.

Guintoli, the 2014 WSBK Champion, has been out of action since crashing and breaking an ankle at Imola in May and was forced to miss both races at Sepang and Donington Park thereafter.

His replacement Canepa has looked good while filling in and it is no surprise that he will carry on until Guintoli is fit again.

Team-mate Alex Lowes is keen on getting back to racing at the renowned Laguna Seca circuit after recovering from a broken collarbone when crashing at Sepang.

In an interview with the official WSBK site, Lowes said he loved the Laguna circuit as it was a thrill to ride there.

"I really love the Laguna circuit, it's a real thrill to race there and you never quite get used to 'The Corkscrew' no matter how many times you ride it!” said Lowes.

“I'm really excited about being in a better shape physically than I have been in the last two rounds, to take advantage of the recent steps forward we have made with the Yamaha."

Canepa said that he was excited to be racing again for the Yamaha team and was 100% motivated and ready to race.

"I'm very excited to race again with the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team,” said Canepa. “I had a great weekend in Misano at the debut, and I'm sure I can try to do a better result in Laguna.

"After the Misano tests, I feel more comfortable on the YZF-R1 and really enjoyed discovering the latest improvements.

"I literally love the Laguna circuit and the atmosphere of the US round, so I'm 100% motivated and ready."